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Monday, February 8, 2016

Letters to Future Counselors

One of the assignments counselors receive in the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp capstone is to write a letter to future counselors with advice and insights about the camp experience. Last summer, we shared a few of these letters in a blog post (you can read that post here). Today, we are sharing three more inspiring letters to help anyone considering the capstone get a better feel for life at camp. (Letters may be lightly edited for clarity, and names are redacted for privacy reasons.) Applications to become a counselor are now available! Find them on Portland State University's Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp capstone website.

Enjoy, and we hope to see you at camp!

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Not an experience to miss. Don't overthink the decision to do it. Yes, the days are long and hard, but the friendship, bonds, and teamwork are so worth it. The bond with your camper is beyond wonderful. You gain a trust and rapport like no other.

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It's normal to be nervous (even terrified!) Once that first camper arrives though, there is a surge of energy and excitement that is inexplicable. It is going to be challenging for sure but easily one of the most rewarding two weeks of my life. These campers are incredible and if you open up your eyes and your mind they will teach you some incredible things you will never forget.

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Don't be afraid. This may seem foreign & strange to be working with different people with altered abilities, who may or may not be able to verbally communicate with you, but by the end of the 2 weeks, this work will be second nature for you.

You will come to enjoy your time spent with the campers & fear losing them at the end of the camp far more than you feared meeting them in the first place.

If you are afraid, don't let that fear keep you from coming to Kiwanis Camp. The experience is irreplaceable & you will be a changed person by the end of it.

There will be hard, frustrating & sad times at camp, but these are the experiences that will enable you to grow. Plus, there are more than enough happy, empowering & inspiring moments that will change your perspective on people with disabilities & on life in general.

You will start seeing people not for what they cannot do…but what they can.

:)

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We hope you enjoyed these Letters to Future Counselors. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us in the comments here or on Facebook. You can apply to be a counselor here on PSU's Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp capstone website.